You will find that most of the articles in my hubpages are primarily South African in nature, however property and real estate (my day job) follow the same or similar trends throughout the world.

As a commercial and industrial property broker, my primary knowledge has come from the interaction with investment property portfolios featuring little or no residential property.

My studies into Property Valuation are based on the American system of Rate of Return and cost analysis for project development. I'm going to share as much knowledge as possible with you in your search for answers on what makes real estate in general function with specific reference to the industrial and commercial sector with emphasis on the value assigned to real estate.

Now and then I may post some arbitrary thoughts on nothing in particular, just to remain sane in the roller coaster of real estate.

Please feel free to add to the comments of my posts.

I get asked at least once a day if I believe we are returning to normal, if normality is what you call it, with reference to the economy in the micro economy where I interact on a daily basis.

Have you ever noticed how the truly pessimistic naysayers will harp on about the recession and blame it for all that goes bad in their day.

My theory is that the macro economy in general is a global collaboration of so many different parts, that it is truly impossible to have any effect as an individual on the greater picture. I reckon we need to bear in mind that we have our own little micro economy which should be self sufficient without having to harp on the negativity of the newspaper headlines.

So my usual answer is yes, we are coming out of the recession, because I haven't stopped what I do on a daily basis, but I can say that my efforts have increased by at least threefold over the last 9 months.

On reflection, I have tried to find additional means to improve the time management part of my business and also seek tools to perfect the day to day activities of my business life.

So, if we are to increase our productivity , just to remain where we were a year ago, whats to say we won't be better off by the time the general consensus returns to the times of previous fortunes.


So, no matter how your situation looks at present, the changing of policy amongst the greater economic powerhouses and government,can not be the only reason why you implement change in the way you attack your daily lives.

I will endeavour to create deals wherever I can and know that if I don't, somebody else will.Good luck in business today.

I read with much despair this morning that Walter Cronkite has died. As an avid CNN watcher over the years it is a serious blow to the news reporting community at large.

What it must have been to lead such an interesting life reporting on up to the minute happenings and unfortunate disaster throughout the world. It most definitely had to be a stressful existence being so close to the turmoil that is our world. Wars being waged on a daily basis over mostly mundane objects and real estate.

I remember vividly a teary eyed Walter Cronkite as he unleashed the sadness of 9/11 on the world as almost every household in the world watched the sore destruction of the twin towers.

Walter Cronkite has to be attributed to a small handful of truly courageous and empathetic newsmen and women who put aside their emotion in front of news cameras in order to bring us everyday folk the news and current events that affect our lives on a global scale.

Our sincerest sympathies and condolences go out to his friend and family and the news teams around the world who have ever had the pleasure to know and meet such a devoted follower of his craft.

Nelson Mandela or Madiba as he is more affectionately known to most people around the world is a true inspiration, not only to South Africans, but to anyone who has endured a struggle for any particular cause without so much as a second thought for themselves.

The aging rescuer of the apartheid era mentality is enjoying a national birthday celebration that Madiba so rightly deserves.

Incarcerated during his struggle for freedom and spending 27 years of his life in Robben Island prison, he was released in 1994 amid speculation that South Africa would never recover from the stigma that surrounded its' political arena during the apartheid ruling.

With a steady and devoted following, he won over the hearts and support of many South Africans to take the poll lead in the presidential elections and on to win presidency of South Africa.

The first black president was merely a spark in the fire that has been his political life and struggle for freedom of his followers.

An intelligent man and having been educated in the finest institutes the world has to offer, Nelson Mandela did not stop once he had received what most deem to be the end post for a politician.

Nelson Mandela has inspired many people to become proactive in causes for children and disadvantaged communities by leading by example.He has setup a childrens fund primarily to help underprivileged children get a fair shake in life.

The 46664 concert, named after his prison inmate number has showcased some of the best musicians in the world -locally and internationally- to packed out stadiums with the aims of fundraising for various causes for humanity with tremendous results.

I cannot say that i know of many 91 year olds who have remained true to their beliefs and still manage to remain fit and active in a pressure encased lifesyle of charity functions and diplomacy.

Our hats off to you Madiba and a happy birthday today.

 Well it seems that the reign of Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni has come to an end. Tito Mboweni will be replaced by Jill Marcus as reserve bank governor as at 1 September 2009.

Jill Marcus is joining the team from the likes of Absa Bank Limited, a subsidiary of Barclays Bank and we hope we does as fine a job as Mr Mboweni.

During Tito Mboweni's time as reserve bank governor, we did see an improvement in the cost of living by close attention being paid to the international oil price which kept our petrol prices current and reasonably priced. The prime lending rates from the central reserve bank was maintained strongly in line with the CPI index and rate cuts were often povided when most needed.

Will Jill Marcus meet with the monetary policy commitee and seek to reduce interest rates in order to gather support and momentum for her tenure as reserve bank governor? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.